HC Deb 31 May 1916 vol 82 cc2693-4
73. Mr. JOHN O'CONNOR

asked whether correspondence with relatives is allowed to political prisoners now interned in Great Britain and Ireland; are they allowed books and newspapers; do they take exercise in each other's company, and are they allowed conversation and intercourse; is he aware that these rights were allowed untried prisoners under the coercion regime of 1881–2, as well as six hours' exercise in the open air, with smoking; and will the same be allowed to untried political prisoners now?

Mr. TENNANT

The answer to the first three parts of the question has already, I think, been given in previous replies. It is not necessary to make comparison with the precedent of 1881–2, as I understand that all the privileges, or nearly all of them, which my hon. Friend desires are already accorded to the prisoners.

Mr. O'CONNOR

How many hours' exercise do they get? Do they get six hours, as was given in 1881 and 1882?

Mr. TENNANT

It depends upon the facilities which are possible. In some cases where there are soldiers already occupying part of the detention barracks it is not possible to give the exercise which the authorities would wish, and which is given in other cases.

Mr. O'CONNOR

Are they allowed to talk to each other?

Mr. TENNANT

Yes.

Mr. FLAVIN

Why do the German interned prisoners in this country get greater freedom and facilities and enjoy more pleasure and more fresh air than the Irish prisoners do?

Mr. TENNANT

I very much doubt that.

Mr. NUGENT

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that two boys of fourteen and fifteen years of age are at present detained, and is there any precedent for boys of that age being taken to prison?

Mr. TENNANT

Not that I know of.

78 Mr. DORIS

asked whether the Irish prisoners at Wandsworth Military Detention Barracks have yet been permitted to smoke; and, if not, why this right, conceded to Irish prisoners in all other detention barracks, has been withheld from them?

Mr. TENNANT

I would refer my hon. Friend to what was said yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

Mr. DORIS

Might I ask the Home Secretary what has been done, or what he proposes to do?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

I hope to be able to remove all these prisoners before very long.